Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many premises are licensed to operate gaming machines in England and Wales; how many machines are involved; and what types of establishments he licenses.
§ Mr. HurdThe only information available relates to gaming machines in respect of which gaming machine licence duty is payable. During the year 1 October 1982 to 30 September 1983 Her Majesty's Customs and Excise estimate that there were in Great Britain 159,600 machines subject to gaming machine licence duty located in 90,200 premises. My right hon. and learned Friend is not responsible for the licensing of any establishments which provide gaming machines on their premises. In England and Wales that is the responsibility of London boroughs and district councils or of licensing justices, depending on the type of establishment.